If your Saturday mornings have been filled with the familiar sound of golf clubs clinking together as your man departs the house, then you know: spring has arrived and golf season has begun! But, with golf season comes an afternoon return accompanied by the inevitable stiff-hipped walk after 18 holes. This is a routine many come to know well. Since it is only the start of the season, we’re providing some insight on how to beat the golf swing stiffness this year {especially with the Master’s happening this week!}. Plus, some advice on how you can potentially improve your swing with acupuncture!

The Modern Swing
Jason Day {1st ranked in the world} has been suffering from a bulging disk during a recent tournament. Mind you, Jason Day is only 28 years old and is in incredible shape. Unfortunately, back, hip, knee, and shoulder injuries seem to be reoccurring on the PGA tour these days. Now, thanks to the “modern” swing, golf pros follow strict workout routines and have beyond impressive core strength. Golfers like Jason Day, Rory Mcilroy, and Tiger Woods have changed the expectations of the golf physique {no more dad-bod on the reg, that’s for sure}, and let’s face it, these guys are ripped! But, why the change?

Let’s get back to this “modern” swing — compared to the classic swing the major change is limited pelvic rotation, limited body movement, and hyperextension of the back. Golfers are no longer using their entire body {with a relatively neutral spine} or hips to hit that perfect shot. Instead, they are using core strength; coiling themselves in one direction and using resistance from their own body to initiate the downswing, followed by hyperextension of the lower back.Major ouch! Unfortunately, even though core strength/motion is typically applauded, nothing about this golf motion sounds promising to me. Just ask Tiger Wood’s surgeon; this golf legend has had a plethora over his career, and is only 40 years old. Most recently, he is sidelined with yet again another back injury.

Dai Mai {aka the Belt Vessel}
Whenever a patient comes to see me with hip pain, one-sided pain, or shoulder pain, I always consider Dai Mai. Dai Mai is also known as the “Belt Vessel.” Like a belt, the purpose of Dai Mai is to hold everything in place. When the Belt Vessel is compromised, we may lose some balance or flexibility. Ladies, think of a band holding your pony tail together; if there is a weak area in that band, your hair won’t feel tight or supported. With repetitive one sided motions {like the golf swing}, it is inevitable that Dai Mai may become affected from time to time. The bigger problem is once imbalanced, symptoms {and your golf swing} will gradually become worse over time. Say good-bye to pars — and hello to bogies!